The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has made it clear that the Special Seats Bill before the 10th National Assembly is purely a Nigerian initiative, driven and owned by Nigerians with no international funding or sponsorship. Mr. Clement Nwankwo, PLAC’s Executive Director, emphasized this during a stakeholder consultation in Abuja, pointing out that the bill addresses a sensitive and important national agenda.
Having been in the National Assembly for over six years, the bill aims to create additional legislative seats exclusively for women to increase their representation. Nwankwo encouraged women’s groups to use strategic lobbying, advocacy, and awareness—not threats—to engage lawmakers ahead of the voting process.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Policy Affairs, Akin Rotimi, clarified that the final decision rests with 469 legislators, cautioning against framing the bill as a national referendum. He urged evidence-based, persuasive advocacy focused on those casting the votes and called for clear, consistent messaging by the media.
Mrs. Aisha Ibrahim, NAWOJ President, described the bill as a moral and political statement that reflects Nigeria’s diversity. She stressed the need for a bold and unifying communication strategy that captures the bill’s spirit and substance.
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